Scottish Government launches updated digital strategy  

The Scottish Government has launched an updated National Digital Strategy in an effort to transform Scotland’s digital landscape. 

The strategy sets out new plans intended to create a digitally connected country, including the delivery of digital public services.

And the government has announced a new app which will provide the public with access to personalised public services through an app that is due to launch next year. 

“The strategy sets out our ambition to create a digitally connected country to create economic growth and help people and businesses thrive,” said Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee. “It will support work to deliver sustainable digital public services fit for the future and help widen opportunities that digital offers.” 

The strategy was jointly developed by the Scottish Government and Cosla, which represented local government. It builds on the original digital strategy published in 2021 while accounting for advances in technology like the rise of artifical intelligence (AI).

“Local government are co-authors and co-owners of this vision,” said Cosla resources spokesperson Councillor Katie Hagmann. “This refreshed strategy is our route map; the delivery plans explain how we will navigate change, remain transparent and measure progress. Through collaboration and shared action, we can build a future-ready, digital Scotland where everyone has the chance to participate and thrive, and no one is left behind.” 

In the plan, the government outlines its ambition to build a nation where digital connects people to opportunities, creates economic growth and delivers improved public services.  

In addition to this, the strategy highlights the importance of a well-educated and digitally confident workforce, both in the public and private sector. The strategy outlines plans to increase digital education in school curriculums while also supporting employers and the wider workforce to ensure that people remain digitally literate throughout their life. 

“The 2021 publication, one of the first joint national strategies between Scottish Government and local government, helped to build skills and talent to strengthen our digital capability,” said McKee. “This is the next step as we aim to accelerate progress. The refreshed strategy’s contribution and relevance to the public service reform agenda cannot be overstated, with a focus on collaboration and embracing innovation to deliver improved public services and improve lives.” 

To achieve these goals, the document outlines a number of steps that the government is taking, including delivering a 2028 pilot programme will explore ways AI can deliver efficiencies in public services, such as streamlining administrative tasks. 

The strategy also acknowledges the role that digital technology can play in both closing the poverty gap, but also widening it if people cannot access the internet. To combat this, the strategy outlines plans for the expansion of internet access in communities that are underserved already, such as rural and deprived areas. The strategy also outlines plans to support people who want to access the internet but may lack the necessary skills and experience required to do so safely and confidently.